Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Polokwane City
midfielder Jabulani Maluleke has revealed that he turned down the chance
to join Orlando Pirates out of loyalty to Rise and Shine.
Maluleke was linked with a move to the Buccaneers early in 2018, and being from Soweto, it would have been a dream move for him on paper.
However, the veteran midfielder has told Soccer Laduma that he decided to stay with his current club to repay them for the way they have treated him.
"I can confirm that is true [Pirates were eyeing him]... I did speak to [assistant] coach Rhulani Mokwena of Pirates. It is just a matter of loyalty that I didn't join Bucs," he revealed.
"Since I came here, I have been treated in a special way, they have taken good care of me all these years and I am enjoying my football here.
"I have to repay them with being loyal to them. I sat down with my parents and we came to a conclusion that I should stay. My dad made it clear to me that I should stay where I am valued and respected."
Maluleke revealed that Pirates were not the only bigger side to try to lure him into their camp, telling the publication that Bloemfontein Celtic wanted him too.
"There were other teams as well who were after for my services, Bloemfontein Celtic. They were more serious about getting me to join them, but I had to sit down and think it through, you know," he said.
With the new campaign having only recently got underway, the 36-year-old will be looking to repeat the tremendous form which put him on Pirates' radar last season.
